Medicine
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The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an important inflammatory marker. However, the relationship between NLR and the prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between NLR and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CHD patients. ⋯ The results of the restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship between NLR and all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular mortality in CHD patients. In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve for all-cause mortality at 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years were 0.596, 0.591, and 0.604, while the area under the curve for cardiovascular mortality were 0.623, 0.617, and 0.623, in CHD patients. Elevated NLR is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in CHD patients, and NLR can independently predict the prognosis of CHD patients.
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Observational studies and meta-analyses have indicated a notable correlation between obesity and vitamin D deficiency, yet the causal relationship between the 2 remains contentious. This study employed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the interrelation between obesity-associated body metrics: specifically body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (BFP), whole-body fat percentage (WHF), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. Instrumental variables for BMI, WHR, BFP, whole body fat mass (WFM), and 25(OH)D were carefully selected based on predefined thresholds. ⋯ However, no statistically significant inverse causative association was observed between these body components and 25(OH)D levels. Sensitivity analyses revealed no substantial heterogeneity or pleiotropy, ensuring robustness of the findings. This study substantiates a significant causal link between 4 obesity-related body components and decreased 25(OH)D levels, excluding reverse causality.
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Observational Study
Epimedium applied in the clinical treatment of osteoporosis patients with periodontitis.
Osteoporosis and periodontitis, prevalent in middle-aged and elderly populations, share common features of bone loss and chronic inflammation. This study explores the hypothesis that Epimedium, known for its bone-strengthening properties, may enhance the effectiveness of conventional osteoporosis treatment in patients with coexisting periodontitis. This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 120 patients with osteoporosis and periodontitis, divided into 2 groups. ⋯ Compared to the control group, the observation group showed significantly greater increases in lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD and reductions in BM markers (P < .05). Periodontal health metrics (PD, AL, SBI, PLI) and GCF inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, hs-CRP, ICAM-1, HMGB1, PGE2) were markedly improved in the observation group, correlating with enhanced total effective rates (TER) for osteoporosis (95.0%) and periodontitis (91.7%) and a reduced adverse event rate (AER). Epimedium shows promise as an adjunctive therapy in patients with osteoporosis and periodontitis, contributing to improved BMD, reduced inflammation, and enhanced periodontal health, suggesting its potential for broader clinical application in managing these coexisting conditions.
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Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between asthma and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Chinese herbal compound Shaoyao Gancao Tang (SYGCT) has been found to have therapeutic effects on both asthma and IBS, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aims to explore the key components, key targets, and potential mechanisms of SYGCT in treating asthma with IBS by using network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques and molecular dynamics simulation. ⋯ SYGCT plays a therapeutic role in asthma and IBS through multiple targets and pathways, providing a theoretical basis for explaining the mechanism and clinical application of SYGCT in treating different diseases with the same treatment in asthma and IBS.
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This study explores the hidden connection between HLA DR on CD14- CD16+ monocytes and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with a particular emphasis on investigating and measuring the impact of 1091 blood metabolites as potential mediators. We harnessed the power of summary-level data extracted from a comprehensive genome-wide association study to delve into the intricate relationship between genetically predicted HLA DR on CD14- CD16+ monocytes (3621 cases) and AS (1193 cases and 374,621 controls). Furthermore, we employed a two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology to elucidate the extent to which blood metabolites contribute to the effects observed in CD14- CD16+ monocytes, ultimately influencing the development of AS. ⋯ Conversely, AS mediated by TML emerged as a risk factor, though the precise impact of HLA DR on CD14- CD16+ monocytes on AS pathogenesis remains enigmatic. It is imperative to embark on further investigations into potential mediators. In a clinical setting, it is imperative to carefully monitor the patient's HLA DR on CD14- CD16+ monocytes levels.